Daren Township is a Paiwan Indigenous settlement known for its majestic landscapes of mountains and sea, as well as its well-preserved traditional culture. The renowned Tjuwacangan village holds the “Five-Year Festival” (Masalu) every five years, a ritual that highlights spiritual beliefs and tribal identity. The historic Alangyi Ancient Trail is the only gap in Taiwan’s coastal loop highway system, featuring pristine paths and traces of history, offering a unique journey through mountains and sea. Coastal lovers can visit the Nantian Coastal Park to admire panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the observation pavilion. The shoreline is scattered with smooth, dark-gray Nantian stones, making it both a geological and scenic gem.
(Photo Credit: @david_huang_taitung)
Between Mountains and Sea: A People’s Memory
At the southernmost edge of Taitung, where mountains meet the sea, Daren Township carries the accumulated life paths of the Paiwan people across generations. Living between mountain and coast, the community has developed ways of coexisting with the natural environment, shaping a stable and structured village life through kinship systems and traditional social order.
As history moved forward, external systems and ideas were introduced, prompting gradual adjustments within the community. Amid these changes, the Paiwan people have continued to seek balance between tradition and modernity.
(Photo credit: @david_huang_taitung)
During the Japanese colonial period, the implementation of Aboriginal Control Policies led to the forced relocation and reorganization of many communities. Following World War II, the development of transportation routes brought shifts in education and industry. Amid these transitions, the Bunun people continued to adapt, ensuring their culture endured through the changing eras.
(Photo credit: @david_huang_taitung)
Cultural continuity does not remain in the past but continues to unfold in everyday life. Language, craftsmanship, and lived memory are passed down through generations while also being reinterpreted in contemporary contexts. In recent years, younger generations have returned to their hometowns and engaged in cultural work, transforming community stories into new forms of expression.
Daren is not only a place where culture is preserved, but a place where it continues to evolve and move forward.
The Simple, Authentic Flavors of Daren
The local products of Daren Township are closely connected to its mountainous environment. Pigeon peas and millet are both common crops that embody the region’s distinctive character. Pigeon peas are plump and have a naturally rich bean aroma. They can be used in soups, stews, or combined with other ingredients in a variety of dishes. Millet, meanwhile, is commonly used in everyday meals and processed foods, from rice and congee to snacks, each offering a unique flavor profile. These crops are drought-tolerant and well adapted to mountainous conditions, allowing Daren’s agricultural products to retain a distinct and rustic local character.
(Photo credit: Taitung County Farmers’ Association)
In addition to grains and legumes, coffee has also become an increasingly recognized agricultural product in Daren in recent years. The mountain climate and sloping terrain provide suitable growing conditions for coffee, while every step from harvesting and processing to roasting can affect its final aroma and flavor. Compared to mass-produced agricultural products, Daren’s local produce seems to embody flavors that have slowly developed within the mountainous environment. From pigeon peas and millet to coffee, each reflects the close connection between local farming practices and the natural conditions of the area.
